PH not demanding many Sabah seats, says PKR chief

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

Pakatan Harapan Will Not Demand “Too Many” Sabah Seats, PKR Chief Says

By Free Malaysia Today – 4 October 2025

In a move that could ease tensions within Malaysia’s opposition bloc, PKR president and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will not ask for an excessive number of Sabah seats in the forthcoming 2025 general election. The comment, made during a press conference at Kuala Lumpur’s Putrajaya office, followed a series of rumours that the coalition was eyeing a large share of the 32 seats slated for Sabah in the new electoral map.

A Shift in Strategy

Anwar, who is also the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate, emphasised that PH’s goal is “to maximise representation without alienating our coalition partners.” He said: “We are not demanding many Sabah seats. Our priority is to work with GRS and other parties to ensure a fair distribution of seats that reflects the political realities on the ground.” His words came after GRS leaders, including Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, had publicly urged the Election Commission to grant them a majority of the 32 seats—an outcome that would give the state’s ruling coalition a dominant position in the national parliament.

The PKR chief’s statement was issued days after the Election Commission (EC) released the final delimitation plan for the 2025 election, which increased Sabah’s parliamentary seats from 25 in the 2022 election to 32. The new allocation also expanded Sarawak’s seats from 30 to 34, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to addressing the “Sabah and Sarawak” issue that has long been a focal point of Malaysian politics.

Context from the Link

A link within the article directed readers to the EC’s official release on the delimitation exercise. The EC noted that the changes were “in line with the constitutional mandate to provide equitable representation to all states” and that the increased seats in Sabah and Sarawak were “necessary to accommodate demographic growth.” The release also stressed that while the EC sets the framework, political parties retain the freedom to negotiate seat allocations within that framework.

Another link led to an earlier statement by GRS President Hajiji Noor, who said that his coalition would not “compromise” on securing a majority of the newly allotted Sabah seats. “We want the best for Sabah,” Noor told reporters, “and that means controlling the majority of seats so we can effectively safeguard our state’s interests.” The comment underscores the high stakes for PH, which currently holds only 3 of the 32 Sabah seats, including those held by its DAP, AMANAH, and Bersatu allies.

Implications for PH and the Election

PH’s decision to temper its seat demand could help preserve its fragile unity. After the 15th General Election in 2022, the coalition experienced internal friction over seat distribution, particularly in the East Coast states. Critics argued that an aggressive seat claim could push the coalition’s partners to the brink, risking a split before the election. Anwar’s comments signal a strategic pivot toward coalition cohesion over territorial ambition.

The move also positions PH favorably with GRS, whose current governing coalition holds a sweeping majority in Sabah. While GRS is an ally of PH in the federal opposition, it has maintained a largely autonomous stance on state matters. A cordial relationship with GRS could give PH an edge in securing parliamentary seats in the north, where the opposition’s vote share has historically been weaker.

Broader Political Context

The debate over Sabah’s seat allocation highlights the broader “Sabah and Sarawak” issue that has shaped Malaysia’s constitutional and political landscape for decades. Sabah’s 32 seats will account for roughly 14 % of the 222‑seat parliament—an increase that reflects the federal government’s effort to give the East Malaysian states greater representation. However, the allocation also raises questions about federal-state relations and the autonomy of the two states.

In the months ahead, PH will likely engage in further negotiations with GRS and other regional parties to finalise its seat map. Meanwhile, the Election Commission will oversee the implementation of the delimitation plan, and the government will need to address any legal challenges that arise. The dynamics in Sabah will therefore remain a focal point of the 2025 election campaign.

Looking Ahead

Anwar’s statement is a clear indication that PH is prioritising coalition unity over aggressive seat claims. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen. The opposition’s success will hinge on its ability to translate a moderate stance into electoral gains, while the coalition partners will need to maintain trust and cooperation to present a united front against the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition. The upcoming election promises to be a decisive test of Malaysia’s political resilience and the effectiveness of its federal‑state balance.